“He’s just as convincing as a villain as he is a romantic lead, or in complex roles that fall somewhere in betweenlike in Edward Berger’s irresistible tragicomedy ‘Ballad of a Small Player’, where Colin captivates us as a roguish gambler and makes us root for his character.
“Colin Farrell has already worked with many great filmmakers, but under Edward Berger’s direction, he truly reaches new heights.
He carries the film from beginning to end and takes us on an emotional roller coaster that makes us laugh, cry, and marvel,” he added.
Farrell said he is delighted about receiving the Golden Icon Award and coming to Zurich for the first time.
“I’m beyond excited to walk its streets, drink its coffee and move amongst its people.
It’s both generous and humbling to have my years of making film recognised by such a storied festival, one that champions film from all corners of the globe.
“It will be an absolute pleasure to visit later this year and we are thrilled to be bringing ‘Ballad of a Small Player’ to audiences there,” he added.
Previous recipients of the Golden Icon Award include Kate Winslet, Jessica Chastain, Hugh Jackman, Cate Blanchett and Hugh Grant.
“Ballad of a Small Player” marks Berger’s third consecutive film to be screened at ZFF, following “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Conclave”.